Dentin Opaquer: A Pediatric Aesthetic Enhancement Technique

Abstract

Introduction: Early childhood caries in young children can be initial dental caries and caries involving most of the tooth structure resulting in pulpal involvement causing loss of tooth structure. There is a need for tooth restoration for functional and aesthetic reasons. Dentine opaquer can be used to fulfill both the criteria. Aim: The aim was to determine the efficacy of dentine opaquer to mask the underlying color of caries treated with restorative material and omega metal post after pulpectomy. Methods: A report of 2 cases performed in the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry in, Krishnadevaraya College of Dental Sciences and Hospital Bangalore. Two different treatments using dentine opaquer as the restorative material and as core buildup over glass ionomer cement were performed. Results: Both the cases showed favorable outcomes and better masking efficiency of dentine opaquer as restorative material and core build up material over glass ionomer cement. Conclusions: Dentine opaquer is a composite with a compatible shade and better retention on the tooth surface, as core build up material and along with omega loop demonstrated adequate retention, was easy to administer as a chair side technique and resulted in least resistant masticatory forces.